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Starbucks introduces “Back to Starbucks” plan with hopes of countering disappointing sales
Business, UncategorizedHailey Whitlock, Writer
As featured in CNN, Starbucks’ sales fell for the third consecutive quarter as the preliminary sales report for the fourth quarter and fiscal year were published for the popular coffee chain. As explained by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Rachel Marie Ruggeri in an investor call addressing the 2024 fiscal year, the quarter 4 consolidated revenue fell 3% from the prior year to 9.1 billion dollars. US stores saw a 6% decline in comparable store sales and a 10% decline in comparable transactions; however, a 4% increase in the average ticket (mainly through pricing) counterbalances part of this decline. In fact, in a move that worried investors, the company announced that guidance will be suspended for the full 2025 fiscal year.
In light of recent financial challenges for the coffee chain, Starbucks appointed Brian Niccol as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who began on Sept. 9, 2024. According to a statement released by Starbucks, Niccol said in relation to his new position, “I am excited to join Starbucks and grateful for the opportunity to help steward this incredible company, alongside hundreds of thousands of devoted partners. I have long-admired Starbucks’ iconic brand, unique culture and commitment to enhancing human connections around the globe. As I embark upon this journey, I am energized by the tremendous potential to drive growth and further enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers and partners, while staying true to our mission and values.”
While disappointed by the low quarter four metrics, Niccol is no stranger to struggling companies. According to CNN, Niccol is known for changing the trajectory of floundering businesses after working as the CEO of Chipotle following its E. coli outbreaks in 2015. As attested by Starbucks, since Niccol became the CEO of Chipotle in 2018, revenue has almost doubled, profits increased seven-fold and stock prices for the company have increased by approximately 800%. In doing so, the culture of the company was strengthened, with increased wages for workers and better benefits. As such, Niccol was welcomed as Starbucks new CEO with the goal of fixing the company’s financial challenges.
When questioned about these lackluster results in a conference call addressing the Quarter 4 earnings, Niccol stated, “it is clear we need to fundamentally change our strategy to win back customers and return to growth. ‘Back to Starbucks’ is that fundamental change. We have to get back to what has always set Starbucks apart, a welcoming coffee house where people gather and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas.”
Niccol advocates for focusing on the separation between to-go and in store purchases. He aims to improve the in-store experience by adding more comfortable furniture and ceramic mugs to encourage customers to enjoy their purchases within Starbucks. Further, the company is striving to provide drinks to patrons within a four minute time frame. As a result, the complex Starbucks menu will be simplified.
Another adjustment emphasized by Niccol is bringing back condiment coffee bars in all Starbucks cafes by early 2025 to dually improve the speed of service and the customer experience. In an effort to make prices more competitive, as elucidated by NPR as of Nov. 7, 2024, there will no longer be an upcharge for non-dairy milk substitutes in North American cafes. The company also stated its plan to keep prices consistent throughout the 2025 fiscal year.
However, the coffee chain did mention that to carry out these initiatives, discount-driven offers will be reduced because they often overburden baristas, are time consuming and offer only minimal benefits.
Overall, Starbucks is shifting to a platform that simplifies the coffee chain we know today to what it once was: a cafe to quickly receive quality drinks to enjoy in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
Squirrels & snakeroots & Solidagos, oh my!
Features, UncategorizedSean Bradley, Staff Writer
What do squirrels, snakeroots and Solidagos have in common? Not much other than they all start with the letter “S,” but more importantly they’re three things found in nature commonly associated with fall. In this fall-themed Nature at La Salle article, we’ll learn about these three fascinating organisms.
Starting with squirrels, a squirrel is any mammal found in the family Sciuridae. There are two squirrel species that occur regularly on campus: eastern gray squirrel and groundhog. The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel on campus and is found throughout campus. Gray squirrels are omnivores, and they eat seeds, nuts, buds, insects and eggs. They also play an important role as seed dispersers. In fall, they bury their food for later in several locations but sometimes forget where they left those food items. These forgotten seeds or nuts benefit the ecosystem by germinating and growing into new plants. Squirrels have two types of homes: nests of leaves, called “dreys,” or tree dens which are used for resting and raising young.
Groundhogs, believe it or not, are squirrels and belong to a ground squirrel tribe called Marmotini. As La Salle’s largest squirrel, groundhogs can be found near the Peale House, Hansen Quad, and South Campus. Groundhogs are mostly herbivores and mainly eat leafy, green plants but do occasionally eat insects. They’re extraordinary diggers and use their claws to create a system of underground burrows, which they use for shelter, safety, raising young, hibernation and defecation (there’s a separate “bathroom” chamber). Additionally, burrowing aerates, or provides oxygen to the soil, which helps plants absorb nutrients for growth. Groundhogs are also called “whistle pigs” due to their whistle-like alarm call.
White snakeroot is a pretty perennial with a dark past. The species’ name comes from the medicinal use of its roots by Indigenous peoples to treat snake bites. However, the plant itself is toxic. During westward expansion times, many settlers, notably Nancy Hanks Lincoln, mother of President Abraham Lincoln, died of “milk sickness” after drinking contaminated milk from cows that grazed on snakeroot. Despite its dark past, white snakeroot is beneficial. The plant is adaptable and thrives in disturbed, shady areas on campus, where it forms colonies via rhizomes – fast, horizontally growing underground roots – which may also be a drawback for gardeners. More importantly, white snakeroot blossoms provide nectar to bees and flies, especially when food is less available in fall.
Lastly, there’s Solidago. Solidago is the scientific name for a genus of flowering plants commonly called goldenrod. Goldenrods are misunderstood since they’re often viewed as weeds and blamed for causing Hay fever. When it comes to fall allergies, the real culprit is ragweed, whose pollen floats easily while goldenrod’s pollen is too sticky to float. While they’re prolific spreaders, goldenrods are quite hardy because they’re drought tolerant, deer-resistant, and thrive in many environments. Their blossoms are also beneficial to insect pollinators, like bees and butterflies, and many other insects. La Salle has one goldenrod species, tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima), whose pretty yellow blossoms can be appreciated on South Campus.
Gone but not forgotten…
Features, UncategorizedJamila Robinson, Staff Writer
When we suffer the loss of a loved one, friend, relation or someone we knew, the loss is felt deeply, personally and affects us greatly. This time will require some solace and adjustment. However, when we lose someone we admired or enjoyed as an entertainer, the loss feels very different, and rightfully so.
These famous individuals, giants in their fields, ICONS in fact have also had a part in our lives and upbringing. They have walked with us as we try to make major decisions and helped us navigate life during the good and bad times. But overall, they brought us a sense of joy, excitement and exhilaration in times they were most necessary.
That is why this article is so difficult to write because the month has started off like any other October. The weather is changing, the campus is showing more fall foliage and we all are in the midst of our fall semester studies, particularly midterms. However, we are losing some very profound and impactful entertainers, and as we know in life, death is unavoidable. Below we share a few who have passed on to glory. We will forever cherish their talents and gifts they shared with us and hopefully carry on the good works by re-watching, and introducing them with others.
“And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.” — John Lennon
Years: 9/17/31 – 9/9/24
Profession: Actor/Film, TV and theater
Known for: Voiced Darth Vader in “Star Wars” movies and voiced King Mufasa in “The Lion King”
Years: 12/28/34 – 9/27/24
Profession: Actress
Known for: Professor Minerva McGonagall in “Harry Potter” movie series, Downton Abbey, Violet Crawley and the Dowager Countess of Grantham
Years: 12/27/39 – 8/21/24 (There is some controversy about his death which the family just informed the public about this month.)
Profession: Actor
Known for: Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries “Roots” and James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series “Good Times.”
Years: 6/23/36 – 9/28/24
Profession: Country Singer, Actor, Oxford scholar, Golden Gloves boxer and Army Ranger
Known for: Whistler in the Marvel movie “Blade,” “A Star is Born,” (He won a Golden Globe for this role) and he was in “The Highwaymen.”
Years: 6/25/66 – 9/30/24
Profession: Athlete/Basketball
Known for: He was a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history. Mutombo spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets.
Years: 10/15/53 – 9/15/24
Profession: Entertainer
Known for: Guitarist in the Jackson 5
Years: 12/1946 – 9/10/24
Profession: Entertainer, Singer, Songwriter and Producer
Known for: His recordings with the soul and funk band Maze
Years: 1/20/54 – 9/30/24
Profession: Voiceover Actor
Known for: Original Cast Member of Broadway’s “Cats” and voiced Oogie Boogie in “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Years: 10/4/89 – 9/5/24
Profession: American Rapper
Known for: 2013 single “Type of Way”
Years: 2/22/48- 9/26/24
Profession: Actor
Known for: “Beverly Hills Cop” movie series, “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “Midnight Run”
Years: 9/29/53 – 9/28/24
Profession: Actor/Daytime Soap, former New York Yankee prospect
Known for: His nearly four decades on “Days of Our Lives”
Flag football in Pennsylvania
Sports, UncategorizedJamila Robinson, Writer
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has declared high school girls’ flag football an officially sanctioned sport in the Keystone State. The announcement was made following the PIAA Board of Directors meeting on Wed, Sept. 18, 2024 in Mechanicsburg, PA where girls’ flag football was reviewed and approved on the third and final reading to be designated as a state-sanctioned sport.
The approval was also made with some help from the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. The flag football program is set to begin next fall for the 2025-2026 school year. It is also one of the fastest-growing sports in America. This is a very exciting addition to the roster of several high schools across the Commonwealth, meaning that young ladies will be able to get engaged with the sport, as well as gain exposure to the game of football and all of the excitement surrounding it.
Let’s begin with a basic lesson of what flag football is. Flag football is a non-contact version of American football where players remove flags from the ball carrier instead of tackling them to the ground. The goal of the game is to advance the ball into the opposing team’s end zone. There is no contact, and players are not allowed to tackle, block, dive, screen or fumble.
Here is where the flags come into play. The players wear flags attached to their waists, one on each side and one at the back. Defenders remove one or both flags to “tackle” the ball carrier. Flag football fields are usually 25-30 yards wide and 70 yards long, with two 10-yard end zones.
In the case of girls’ flag football in Pennsylvania, it was required that there be at least 100 participating teams across the state. According to the PIAA, that threshold was achieved in April with 65 schools from the eastern side of the state (Eagles) and 36 from the western side (Steelers). And yes, both of these teams had to work in collaboration to ensure that this momentous sanction was a success.
Many people may not be aware that the NFL is heavily involved in this major addition to PIAA sports. The Philadelphia Eagles heavily invested in growing the game of girls’ flag football. The Eagles have ensured access for young girls across the Double-A region in southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and southern New Jersey to utilize their facilities for practice, games and even the use of their equipment.
Between the three states, there are currently over 100 teams with the hopes of 100 more teams participating. These teams will span public, private and parochial schools. There is major anticipation of opportunities for scholarships for these young ladies to not only play in high school but to play collegiately. It’s a very competitive environment, and I feel that great things will come from this endeavor. Many colleges are now starting a girls’ flag football program which only means more doors opening and exposure for so many young ladies who might otherwise not have an interest in this sport.
Memphis’ deal needs a Newer Deal
Commentary, UncategorizedJoseph Battista, Editor
Freaky Friday, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”, the weekend is known for getting weird. Its breath of fun from a week’s labor is provocative. The smidge of freedom gets the people going. What becomes of a person who’s gotten going too far, who dabbles in more than the smidge?
Memphis, Tennessee, currently facing one of the biggest crime epidemics in the United States, may have the answer. Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Memphis gang leaders believe a lack of job opportunities for youth has gotten the people going, and is a major cause of the city’s crime issues. A possibility to tame the lost smidge could be a New Deal-esque employment program.
“Our young guys just need something to do; they steal cars because it’s fun, because there’s a lack of activities in their communities,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young during a press conference.
As wild of a quote as it may sound, he is not wrong. Similar after-school activities of grand theft auto are happening in Connecticut where the Kia Boyz reign supreme. His finding comes from a meeting with local Memphis gang leaders on reducing crime in March 2024. The city government has been working proactively to pacify crime through sponsored programs like the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) and bolstering police programs by increasing funding by $1.9 million.
During the meeting, gang leaders requested resources that would lead to employment for their members, reducing crime. Mayor Young cited a study from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service that agreed with their request, which found violent crime reduced by 45% with youth employment programs. The program was a success, but the main criticism is the costly operation.
If reducing crime through employment is Memphis’ plan, they need to take a page from Teddy’s book. President Theodore Roosevelt’s New Deal alleviated mass poverty and crime in the US during the Great Depression. Creating new development projects that demanded employment gave inexperienced workers a job, new skills and funds to spend which strengthened local economies.
A similar program in Memphis could lower crime rates and rejuvenate Memphis’ community. Creating city development projects, offering employment for said projects, educating participants on career-generating resources like FAFSA and subsidizing employers for hiring from the program are just a few ways the program can take shape.
Memphis crime prevention programs, like the VIP and community mentorship programs and gangs (they requested the resources, maybe they are willing to chaperone the field trip), could partner with the job entry program to increase effectiveness and participation. Working collaboratively, mentors can use the employment program as a tool to assist their mentees in employment. Operational costs of the job entry program would be reduced by utilizing existing mentors, alleviating criticism of employment programs.
I am no money guy, so the budget needed for the project is mysterious to me. Maybe it is too expensive to be feasible. Regardless, precedent shows employment programs work and painting a picture of what a Newer Deal could look like is a good start.
Halal food truck on campus
Uncategorized
Claire Herquet, Editor
“The quality of food mixed with the price makes it extremely worth it. The owner is extremely pleasant, and it was a great change from the Union,” says ‘26 graduate Ellen Stadlman regarding the new addition parked on 20th and Olney.
In an exciting development for foodies and cultural Explorers alike, a new addition has rolled onto our campus scene – a brand new halal food truck. With chicken, lamb, falafel, gyros, and many more delicious Islamic dishes, the cart owner, Ali, promises delectable flavors at extremely affordable prices.
Positioned strategically outside of Connelly Library, the truck instantly catches the attention of passersby. From the moment its serving windows opened less than two weeks ago, it has been drawing in tons of customers including La Salle students, faculty, and staff. Even President Dan Allen has been seen conversing with Ali and buying lunch there.
Many students on the social app “Fizz” have shared their experiences and beliefs regarding the delicious food truck. One posting says, “La Salle needs to give the halal cart guy his own restaurant in the union right next to TLC.” Another text post states, “Halal truck is goated. Best food on campus.”
The addition of this halal truck at La Salle represents more than just a convenient dining option instead of using up your SFA dollars and meal swipes; it stands as a symbol of diversity and inclusivity. As customers continue to gather at the gourmet establishment, it serves as a reminder to unite in celebration of our shared cultures.
La Salle announces major changes to sporting department
Foolegian, Sports, UncategorizedAndrew Noel, Staff Writer
Last week La Salle University announced that its football team would be returning with the hope that the team will start playing in the 2025-2026 season. This announcement comes after years of pressure from students, faculty and alumni alike, and it will mark the end of a decade-long absence from the college football scene.
There is still a lot to be determined before play can begin, such as what conference the Explorers football team will play in. Given that the A-10 conference has no other football programs, La Salle will have to find another conference to join, with the PAC-12 being the early favorite to host La Salle’s football team.
This move marks the beginning of a new era for La Salle sports, with there being hope that Men’s Water Polo, Cricket and Australian Rules Football teams will soon be introduced.
Another goal for La Salle’s athletic department is to introduce a new mascot, with the most popular rumor at the moment being that he will be called the Finder, and will only be rivaled by Gritty and the Philly Phanatic in terms of dominance in the mascot world.
“This is all very exciting,” said President Dan Allen, “We hope that these additions to the athletic department at La Salle will help us usher in a new era of gold.”
“We need to be drivers of innovation in the collegiate sports scene,” commented athletic director Ash Puri. “We hope that by introducing Cricket and Australian Rules football, as well as bringing back Men’s Water Polo and Football, we will become the go-to university for only the best high school athletes, not just in the United States, but around the world.”
The addition of these programs will have a large financial effect on the school. The long-term goal is that the additions of these teams will help drive revenue growth. However, President Allen admitted that there would be some sacrifices made in the short term.
“Absolutely,” Allen said. “In the near term, I think that students can expect some changes to life around campus.” When asked to elaborate, Allen said that students should expect dining options to continue to be limited, as well as showers, especially in underclassmen dorms (with little to no access to hot water).
La Salle has always been a driver of innovation in the academic community, and the university hopes that these changes to the athletic department will aid La Salle’s efforts in leading the way to new horizons for students and faculty. Only time will tell.
Caitlin Clark is defining how we talk about college basketball.
UncategorizedAidan Tyksinski, Editor
A couple of weeks after breaking the NCAA Women’s scoring record against Michigan, Caitlin Clark stood at the free throw line, about to attempt two of her life’s most important free throws. Number four-ranked Iowa was taking on the number two-ranked team Ohio State in Iowa City, with both teams hoping to make a statement win in their last regular season game. Iowa was up 46-39, with Clark about to add to the lead right before the half.
Of course, at this point, no one cared about the score, the implications of the game, or about Iowa’s next step to winning the national title. Everyone’s eyes were on Clark and if she could break Pistol Pete Maravich’s record of 3,667 points scored in a career, the record for both men’s and women’s division one basketball. Clark shot the first free throw. Swish. Record tied. Clark got the ball back from the referee, took two dribbles, then quickly fired the next shot. Nothing. But. Net.
Almost instantly after the record was broken, there was celebration and debate. Yes, Clark’s record was amazing, said her critics, but Maravich got his old record without a three-point line and in one less season. Some, including ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Williams, said Clark will not be great until she wins a title.
Both arguments are in bad faith. If Maravich’s record were so easy to break, then anyone who is an elite scorer who played in the three-point era would have broken it, right? But neither Steph Curry, the NCAA Men’s all-time career three-point scorer, nor Kelsey Plum, the old Women’s all-time leading scorer, could achieve what Clark did. And neither could any other player in Women’s or Men’s Division One basketball.
As for Williams, there is no defense for this take. Elvin Hays, Larry Bird and Plum, all considered some of the best NCAA players of all time, made deep tournament runs without a win. Heck, the farthest Maravich ever got at LSU was to the Final Four of the NIT tournament, and many consider him the greatest player of all time! (Clark, for the record, helped get Iowa to the finals last year, where they lost to LSU).
Throughout the entire commotion, Clark has been calm, collected, and laser-focused. In the Hawkeye’s opening matchup of the Big 10 tournament against Penn State, she broke Curry’s record for three-pointers made in a season. She also announced that she will be entering the 2024 WNBA draft, exciting the Indiana Fever fanbase, the team with the number one overall pick in the draft.
Right now, Clark’s main goal is to get back to the NCAA title game and win it this time, although that is easier said than done. South Carolina, LSU and Stanford all feel they have just as good a shot as Iowa to win, while blue bloods like Notre Dame and Connecticut are still around, no matter how little press they get. At the end of the day, though, this feels like Iowa’s tournament to lose. And no one will doubt what Clark can do, even if they don’t consider her “great.”
How to: meditate
Health and Wellness, UncategorizedSam Klein, Editor
While life itself is a beautiful gift, it can oftentimes become stressful. In the overwhelming moments where it feels impossible to inhale positivity and exhale tension, taking a few minutes to practice mindfulness can be crucial. Meditation, a concept that has been around for hundreds of years, intends to train the mind and calm the soul. While meditation isn’t for everyone and requires practice to retain peak benefits, here is a simple guide to get started to ease the stress that everyday life can cause.
Set aside time and space
Perhaps you find yourself tense due to an impending deadline or daunting exam, and excess time in your day is sparse. However, prioritizing time for a healthy mind is not only important, but easy. Meditation only takes about two to three minutes, but can take longer if you have more time to donate to the practice, or simply choose to. Find a space that you feel comfortable in, one with an atmosphere that will maintain a sense of peace throughout the process. Perhaps this spot is your bedroom, a living room, outside, or even in your car. With a time and space designated, mediation can begin.
Concentrate on body positioning
Once you’re in an environment that you feel comfortable in, it’s important your body itself is equally as comfortable. Sit, lay, do whatever it is you need to in order to fully relax your muscles and ease any existing tension. If sitting, it might be helpful to have something against your back to lean on, so you don’t add extra pressure on your body to remain upright. Similarly, if you are lying down, something to support your neck could be effective. Loosen your hands and feet, drop your shoulders, and pay careful attention to how grounded you feel in the given moment.
Focus on your breathing
When practicing mindfulness, one should focus primarily on their breath. It can be encouraged to either not try and control your breathing and rather pay attention to each inhale and exhale as they naturally occur, or perhaps practice deep breaths to improve concentration and overall relaxation. No matter the method, it is important to focus on each individual breath as it enters the body, and how it feels to let that air go. Focus on the way your shoulders loosen, how your jaw unclenches, and how your tongue releases from the roof of your mouth as you exhale. Perhaps count your breath or allow your mind to go as blank as possible.
Be kind to yourself
The body is said to work on autopilot 95% of the time, according to Mindful, and meditation counteracts this natural reaction. It’s hard to control the thoughts that pass in our mind, so when the mind wanders, return it back to your breath. As focus is lost or shifts, return it to each inhale and exhale and pay careful attention to the way each breath feels. During this period of meditation, it can be hard to keep your mind in one place, especially if you’re meditating due to stressors that are placing tension upon you. Acknowledge the feeling but allow it to pass. Don’t give up the process just because it doesn’t come naturally.
Make the process habitual
Meditation serves numerous short-term benefits to the nervous system according to Gaiam including lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, improved blood circulation, lower blood cortisol levels, and inherently less stress and anxiety. As a result, mediation should be practiced on a regular basis to become easier and result in these positive benefits. Meditation can be uncomfortable at the start but will grow more natural with practice. Using a guided meditation on YouTube, utilizing apps such as “Headspace,” or simply listening to calming music could assist in focusing the mind. No matter the approach you take, you are prioritizing calming a crowded headspace and should be proud of that, for everyone deserves a mind at ease.
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